The ride started like all the other SR2DaC adventures, we met early at the park and got our gear ready. We found our buddies and went over the logistics and discussed the route and the location of the “aide stations” which would be the same as well. We got on our bikes and did a lap in the park to check out the bike and to add that little bit of extra distance to get us to the full 20 miles. We of course did the lap in silence to keep from disturbing those still asleep in the houses below the park. After that we headed out. Tim D was our youth leader, Mr Bosworth our adult tour lead, Mr D our sweep and Keith A was semi-official time, distance and speed keeper.
The start of the ride was up hill to Spring Canyon but that did not take long. After just a few minutes we were headed down hill towards the fire station and our first stop at the Community Park. Dr Bryon got there a few minutes ahead of us and waited for us waiting to see if we would do a lap around the park. But someone said there was a sign that said “No Bike Riding”, so we skipped it and continued on our way to trail head in Sabre Springs. It was the big hill down that we probably hit our top speed of 20+ miles per hour, even though most everyone were on the brakes the entire time.
We soon got on the trail. We had a minor issue where we got a bit separated from each other crossing Black Mountain Rd. Some crossed the road and a few went under bridge. The water under there smelled terrible. But, it added to the adventure. The walkie talkies came in handy and we quickly met up again, before we knew it, we were at the ranch house were we met Dr Bryon manning his first ever aide station. There was all the usual aide station fare, which everyone one enjoyed. Pretzels, Water, G, Red Vines and everyone’s favorite peanut M&Ms.
Keith said we were a little short of 10 miles so we did a lap at the ranch house parking lot and then headed down the canyon. The ride down the canyon was fun, it was a mix of wide open dirt road and some single track. There were a few bridge crossings which were all pretty easy. There were a few get off and walk the bike spots, but mostly it was just relaxing ride in the canyon.
Once out of the canyon, we took to the streets again. Thankfully they had bike lanes. We were soon speeding down the street to the Coaster stop. Just short of that, Harrison tried to go from the street to the side walk at full speed but not enough of a angle to the a driveway and almost wiped out. He pulled it off at the last minute and saved himself from some sure road rash. The worst part of it was it happened just as we were being passed by a big bike team and they all seemed to get a big laugh out of the acrobatics that were on display.
We spent a few minutes at the coaster station and headed out again. Mr Stachwick tried to take some pictures during this part of the ride, but it’s even harder to peddle and take pictures than it is to drive and talk on a cell phone. The pictures will be posted to the web in the next few days.
Just before noon we got to Torrey pines. Everyone went to the waves, we took a few pictures then as you expect from a bunch of teen age boys, they headed off to the Taco Shop and Pizza place nearby to get lunch. All in all a great day and a really fun ride.
JULY 3rd Scripps Ranch To The Sea BIke Ride! Congratulations to the 11 Scouts and Scouters who completed the inaugural event!!
Special Thank yous to Venture Patrol Leader Tim D and SPL Harrison T for organizing and planning; ASM’s Mr. Bosworth, ASM Mr. Stachwick, and CM Mr. DeRego for riding; ASM Mrs. Trubitt, ASM Mr. Aylwin, CM Mr. Simmons for driving support!